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Double-blind, controlled calcium supplementation and bone mineral accretion in children accustomed to a low-calcium
Insights
Calcium supplementation significantly improved bone acquisition in Chinese children with low calcium intake. However, it did not affect height increment, indicating a need for further research on optimal calcium requirements.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Bone Health
- Growth and Development
Background:
- Children in China often have low habitual calcium intakes (280 mg/d).
- Adequate calcium is crucial for bone acquisition during childhood.
- The impact of calcium supplementation on bone development in this population is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of calcium supplementation on bone acquisition and height increment in 7-year-old Chinese children.
- To assess the impact of an 18-month calcium intervention on bone mineral content and bone density.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial involving 162 children (7-year-olds).
- Intervention group received 300 mg Ca/d (calcium carbonate); control group received placebo.
- Measurements included distal one-third radial bone mineral content (BMC), bone density (BMC/bone width), and height every 6 months.
Main Results:
- The calcium group showed significantly greater gains in BMC (16.5% vs 13.97%) and BMC/bone width (9.45% vs 6.31%) compared to the placebo group.
- No significant effect of calcium supplementation on height increment was observed.
- Baseline serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and physical activity levels were also assessed.
Conclusions:
- Calcium supplementation positively impacts bone acquisition in Chinese children with low calcium intake.
- Calcium intake does not appear to influence height increment in this age group.
- Longitudinal studies are needed to determine if enhanced bone mass at this age translates to future peak bone mass and to establish optimal calcium requirements for Chinese children.
Abstract:
A randomized, double-blind, controlled calcium supplementation trial was conducted for 18 mo to determine its effects on bone acquisition and height increment in 162 7-y-old Chinese children (87 boys and 75 girls) with habitually low calcium intakes (280 mg/d). Distal one-third radial bone mineral content (BMC), area bone density (BMC/bone width), and height were evaluated every 6 mo. Baseline dietary intakes, serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, and physical activity were determined. The study group received 300 mg Ca/d as calcium carbonate; control subjects received placebo tablets. After 18 mo the study group had significantly greater gains in BMC (16.5% vs 13.97%; P = 0.02) and BMC/bone width (9.45% vs 6.31%; P = 0.0008) than the control subjects. The findings confirm a positive effect of calcium intake on bone acquisition but no effect on height increment. Whether a higher bone mass attained at age 8-9 y would be maintained and beneficial to future peak bone mass requires longitudinal investigation. Further study is warranted to determine calcium requirements for Chinese children.